Thrift Shop Processor

About us

PRISM is a community supported social service organization providing dignity-centered resources for food, housing, and other basic needs. We were founded by community members concerned about their neighbors' basic needs and challenges. PRISM blends talent, passion, and abilities into opportunities that improve the lives of everyone as we build a resilient community, reflecting the spirit of the northwest suburbs.

Our vision is to lead in providing innovative and dignified services that foster resilient individuals and a healthier, more sustainable community. 

The Shop for Change Thrift Shop is open to the public and is a social enterprise for PRISM. 100% of the proceeds support PRISM's social services, including a food shelf, rental housing assistance, and children's programs. Shop for Change Thrift Shop is fueled by quality donations from the community and a team of dedicated volunteers.

We are currently hiring a Thrift Shop Processor. This part-time, benefits-eligible position is scheduled to work 20 hours per week. 

Shop for Change Thrift Shop hours are:
9:00 a.m. - 5 p.m. On Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday and Friday
9:00 a.m. - 7 p.m. on Thursdays
9:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m. on Saturdays

Position Overview
The Thrift Shop Processor will collaborate with the Director and Assistant Manager. This position will play a vital role in the daily operations of the thrift store by processing, sorting, and pricing donated items for resale. Essential duties include pricing items, moving products to the sales floor efficiently and timely, and supporting volunteers and customers. 

Job Responsibilities

• Receive and sort donations: Receive donations from the community, including clothing and household items, and sort and clean them, ensuring they are in good, salable condition.
• Quality Assessment: Examine donated items for defects, damages, or safety concerns. Determine the quality and condition of each item, deciding whether it can be sold, recycled, or discarded. 
• Pricing and Tagging: Price items for resale based on store guidelines and policies. Apply appropriate price tags or labels to items to ensure accurate pricing. 
• Inventory Management: Maintain organized and efficient inventory storage and display. Restock merchandise on the sales floor as needed and assist in maintaining an attractive and appealing store layout. 
• Customer Service: Provide excellent customer service to shoppers and donors. Answer questions, assist with inquiries, and provide information about the store's mission and policies. Cashiering when necessary, as well as helping with opening and closing procedures. 
• Safety and Cleanliness: Maintain a clean and safe work environment, including organizing storage areas, disposing of unusable items, and following safety protocols. Ensure standards in recycling and refuse are upheld. 
• Team Collaboration: Work closely with store staff and volunteers to ensure a smooth and efficient operation. Participate in team meetings and contribute to a positive work environment.
• Daily Store Operations: Responsible for cash flow, deposits, reporting, including opening and closing procedures.
• Volunteer Leadership & Support: Supervise and support a team of thrift shop volunteers, including providing appropriate training, delegating tasks, and providing feedback. Provide leadership to individual volunteers and groups. 

Minimum Skills and Abilities

• Ability to work in a busy environment and adapt quickly to changing priorities.
• Strong people skills to positively represent PRISM when interacting with customers, donors, and volunteers.
• Sensitivity to a diverse customer base and commitment to creating a positive shopping experience for all customers. 
• Consistent and reliable regarding attendance.
• Strong work ethic.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills. 
• Enjoys keeping things neat and organized.
• Strong attention to detail and the ability to assess the condition of items.
• Able to work some evenings and weekends (see Shop hours above)
• Reasonably comfortable using computers and point-of-sale equipment.

Preferred Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• High School Diploma
• Previous experience in thrift store operations and pricing strategies.
• Bi-Lingual or Multi-lingual
• Proficient with Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, Outlook, PowerPoint)
• Proficient in using POS Systems
• Desire to drive sales and serve a non-profit mission
• A good sense of humor!

Physical Demands and Working Conditions

• Standing and walking throughout the day. Occasional sitting. 
• Lifting and carrying boxes, restocking inventory, and handling merchandise.
• Climbing occasionally using short ladders and step stools.
• Pushing and pulling racks, carts, and equipment.
• Keyboarding and using a computer.
• Fine manipulation to handle smaller items and arrange displays. 

PRISM IS AN EQUAL-OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER




 

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